Notiziario UFO - 1970 09-10 No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: NOTIZIARIO UFO
Issue: 5 (35)
Date: October 1970
Publisher: Centro Unico Nazionale (CUN)
Type: Official Bimonthly Magazine for the study of phenomena believed to be of extraterrestrial origin.

Editorial

The editorial, titled "Scelte" (Choices), emphasizes the necessity for Italian researchers to engage in systematic and organized scientific work concerning the vast amount of UFO-related documentation collected over the years. It calls for a shift from individualistic efforts to a collaborative team approach to achieve concrete results. The editorial highlights a recent request for collaboration from Professor Jacques Vallée, who considers the CUN a valid representative of Italian researchers. Vallée expresses his interest in the CUN's work, particularly an article in Flying Saucer Review, and suggests that the immediate priority is to compile a reliable list of known UFO landings. He notes that while this work is underway in France and Spain, little has been done for the rest of Europe, an area where the CUN could provide significant assistance. Vallée encloses his current list of Italian landings, coded for easy reference, and offers a separate, complete English list of case summaries.

Collaboration with Jacques Vallée

Professor Jacques Vallée, a mathematician and astronomer with international recognition in fields like artificial satellites, microwaves, radar technology, and electronic data processing, is presented as a key figure. He has served as an assistant at the McDonald Observatory and a consultant for NASA's 'Mars Map' project. Vallée is a proponent of the UFO phenomenon and the author of three influential books: "ANATOMY OF A PHENOMENON," "CHALLENGE TO SCIENCE" (co-authored with his psychologist wife Janine), and "PASSPORT TO MAGONIA," which includes an appendix, "A CENTURY OF UFO LANDINGS" (1868-1968). The CUN expresses honor in collaborating with such a prominent researcher and commits to extracting relevant data from its archives to supplement Vallée's work, with the goal of providing him with a translated and integrated collection of information.

The CUN's Florence Section, led by Professor Solas Boncompagni, is tasked with coordinating this research. Boncompagni's section is noted for having the most comprehensive and well-organized files among Italian researchers. The magazine assures that the Secretary of the Presidency, Renso Cabassi, and Sig. Roberto Pinotti will provide all necessary support to the Florence Section. The collective effort is expected to yield significant documentation for investigations, contributing to a complete and updated list that the magazine intends to publish.

Orthoneny: A Theoretical Framework

Further articles delve into the concept of 'orthoteny,' a theory concerning the hypothetical flight paths or 'routes' of UFOs. The magazine discusses a previous article by the CUN on "NUOVE DIMENSIONI PER L'ORTOTENIA?" (New Dimensions for Orthoneny?) and expands on the topic, incorporating further insights from Dr. Ing. Aimé Michel. Michel, an honorary member of the CUN, provides commentary on his study of orthoteny, deeming it the most complete and excellent introduction to the problem published to date. However, he expresses skepticism about orthoteny being a practical or useful avenue, suggesting it may be a dead end. Despite this, he acknowledges its historical importance in providing researchers with an example of objective work and fostering scientific critique. Michel notes that orthoteny has brought the issue of landings to the forefront of rational investigation.

He points out the negative aspect of orthoteny: the lack of a general method to define non-aleatory patterns or make predictions, rendering it largely theoretical without further information. Michel mentions that mathematicians like Vallée and Toulet believe alignments can be explained by chance, with Toulet preparing a study on this. Conversely, Saunders, described as the "Principal Investigator" of the Condon Committee, believes certain alignments have real existence, and his extensive work, involving the analysis of 15,278 cases with 80 data points each, is expected to provide a definitive conclusion.

Michel states that, for him, discussions on orthoteny currently lack convincing theoretical prospects, leading to uncertain or contradictory conclusions. He believes that resolving the issue definitively will require the examination of tens of thousands of cases, a task currently only exemplified by the work of Saunders and Vallée. He concludes that the immense effort required to determine if this work is worthwhile must first be undertaken.

Michel has personally limited his research to in-depth investigations of a few close UFO observation cases and philosophical reflections on non-human intelligence, as detailed in his recent articles for "Flying Saucer Review."

The magazine then elaborates on the 'orthoteny' concept, referencing the "BAVIC" (Bayonne-Vichy) and "SOUPO" (Southend-on-Sea - Po di Gnocca) lines. These are described as two remarkable alignments that divide the planet into four equal spherical sectors. A curious geometric relationship is noted: these two lines intersect at a right angle. The SOUPO line, in the Southern Hemisphere, skirts the Antarctic coast near Wilkes Land and intercepts the South Magnetic Pole. This raises questions about whether UFOs, propelled by electromagnetic energy, might follow natural magnetic 'lines of force.' The precise geometric relationship between BAVIC and SOUPO is considered significant, as are the apparent linear arrangements of UFO sightings and landings along specific great circle routes. The article suggests that a more complete 'equidistribution' of the planet for reconnaissance purposes might involve a third great circle line, perpendicular to both BAVIC and SOUPO, dividing the Earth into eight identical 'checkerboards.'

International UFO News

The issue also includes reports on UFO activities and research in other countries:

• Soviet Union: The article highlights contributions from Soviet astronomer Felix Žigel and writer A. P. Kazantsev, who affirm the existence of UFOs and suggest that extraterrestrials visited Earth millennia ago, leaving behind evidence such as ancient drawings and structures. Their work, published in "SOZIALISTICESKAIA INDUSTRIJA," addresses 'cosmonauts of the past' and 'space archaeology.' The CUN expresses gratitude for the material and information provided by their Soviet colleagues.
• Yugoslavia: Recent reports of unidentified objects in Yugoslavia have garnered significant public interest. The magazine mentions a series of articles by S.A. Szabo in "VEČERNJI LIST" focusing on 'Flying Saucers and energy interruptions,' referencing Frank Edwards' book "FLYING SAUCERS - SERIOUS BUSINESS." Szabo's work specifically examines Yugoslavian UFO cases, noting that many have been overlooked.
• Czechoslovakia: Interest in UFOs has also increased in Czechoslovakia. Civil engineer V. Patrovsky published the volume "ZAHADY LETAJICICH TALIRU," which sold out quickly. Josef Fleissig, a science editor, has completed his second book on the subject. Dr. Ludvig Souček, a science writer, reported that mysterious flying objects are also being sighted in the People's Republic of China. A UFO reporting and analysis center, established in Prague in 1969, collaborates with the Czechoslovakian army's anti-aircraft forces.

CUN News and Events

• Radio Appearance: The CUN's Director participated in the radio program "BUON POMERIGGIO" on October 27, 1970, to discuss UFOs. The intervention was requested by the program's editors, following a previous debate on the topic. The CUN representative successfully countered skeptical viewpoints, emphasizing the Center's role and advocating for further discussions.
• Literary Award: The magazine congratulates Professor Solas Boncompagni of the Florence Section on receiving a recent literary award.
• General Assembly: An important announcement is made regarding the CUN's General Assembly, scheduled for December 20, 1970, in Milan. The agenda includes discussions on the budget, election of officers, and new research and analysis perspectives for 1971.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the importance of systematic data collection and analysis, and the promotion of international collaboration among researchers. The CUN positions itself as a central organization dedicated to advancing the study of UFOs with a serious, scientific approach, aiming to counter skepticism and ignorance surrounding the topic. The exploration of theoretical frameworks like 'orthoteny' highlights the magazine's commitment to exploring complex hypotheses, while also grounding the discussion in empirical data and the challenges of scientific validation. The editorial stance is one of proactive engagement, seeking to elevate the study of UFOs to a more rigorous and recognized scientific discipline.

This issue of "UFO e America" delves into the intriguing question of "Why?" concerning UFO phenomena, particularly focusing on potential extraterrestrial visitation patterns and historical evidence. The magazine explores scientific and philosophical considerations, historical cases, and the ongoing debate surrounding unidentified flying objects.

The Orthotenic Hypothesis

The central theme revolves around the concept of 'orthoteny,' a hypothetical third recurring orthotenic line, dubbed 'BAVIC' and 'SOUPO.' This line is depicted as traversing the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans, primarily intersecting the South American continent. While acknowledging the lack of concrete data to prove this hypothesis, the article suggests that it could logically frame various unexplained sightings in Central America, South Africa, and the Far East. The oceanic nature of this path makes direct verification difficult, but the authors posit that vague clues might justify its intuitive consideration.

Notable Cases and Incidents

The issue recounts several significant UFO-related incidents:

• The Vidal Case (1968): A couple driving in Argentina was enveloped by a cloud, causing them to lose consciousness. They awoke in their car on an unknown road in Mexico, with their car's paint inexplicably gone. This case is presented as one of the most credible and well-documented.
• Argentine Businessman's 'Teleportation' (1959): A similar incident to the Vidal case, where a businessman was allegedly 'teleported' from Bahia Blanca to Salta, a distance of 6400 km, nine years prior.
• Japanese Car Disappearance (1963): In Kanamachi, Japan, a black car ahead of witnesses vanished after being enveloped by a mysterious, gaseous-looking cloud.
• Spanish Soldier's Appearance (1593): A Spanish soldier inexplicably appeared in Mexico City's Plaza Mayor, claiming to have been transported from Manila, Philippines. He also accurately reported the death of the Governor of the Philippines on the same day.
• Landing Apparatus Photograph (1963): A photograph of a UFO with a tripod landing device, taken near Genoa, Italy, was shared with Dr. Allen Hynek.

Paleolithic UFO Depictions

The magazine examines the controversial subject of alleged UFO representations in Paleolithic art, referencing an article by Ing. Michel in "Flying Saucer Review." It discusses rock paintings from the Sahara and Val Camonica, as well as examples from France and the Iberian Peninsula. While some interpret these as phallic symbols, others, like Michel, suggest they could be realistic depictions of UFOs, given their detailed and complex nature.

The Legacy of General Chassin

The issue commemorates the passing of French Air Force General Lionel Max Chassin, a former NATO Coordinator for Central Europe and a proponent of UFO research. Chassin was instrumental in promoting studies on 'flying saucers' and was a key figure in the Parisian organization G.E.P.A.

Interview with Dr. Allen Hynek

In an exclusive interview, Dr. Allen Hynek, formerly a scientific consultant for the USAF's 'Project Blue Book,' shares his evolving perspective on UFOs. He admits it took him nearly twenty years to overcome his skepticism, especially after examining over twelve thousand cases, seven hundred of which remain unexplained. While he doesn't subscribe to the 'Extra-Terrestrial Hypothesis' (ETH) outright, he acknowledges the existence of the phenomenon and stresses the need to identify 'patterns' in sightings to develop a scientific theory.

Dr. Hynek discusses his work, the challenges of convincing the scientific community, and the importance of studying UFO phenomena. He also shares his personal commitment to his students during a university strike, demonstrating his dedication beyond his scientific pursuits.

Jesuit Astro-physicist's Reflections

Segundo Benito Reyna S. J., a Jesuit astro-physicist from South America, contributes his philosophical, religious, and scientific considerations on UFOs. He muses on the creation of the cosmos and the potential for rational life on other planets. Reyna suggests that UFO pilots might utilize gravitational anomalies and cosmic energies for propulsion, possibly generating their own gravitational fields to achieve high speeds and maneuverability. He theorizes that UFOs might exploit the Earth's Van Allen belts and magnetic poles, particularly the neutral 'corridor' near the South Pole, for easier access to the planet. He also notes the linguistic commonality (English, Spanish, Portuguese) in the Americas as a potential factor for extraterrestrial contact.

Travel Impressions from Mexico

Antonio Ribera shares his impressions from a trip to Mexico, where he met with Pedro Ferriz, creator of the TV program "Un Mondo Ci Osserva." Ribera recounts his unique experience of staying in the same hotel as Dr. Allen Hynek and enriching Hynek's collection of UFO photographs with an image of a tripod landing apparatus. He also describes his visit to Teotihuacan, where he and Ferriz discovered what they believe to be a representation of a spaceship in the underground structures.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, favoring a scientific yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena. It highlights historical cases, potential extraterrestrial hypotheses, and the efforts of researchers and organizations dedicated to understanding these mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging further investigation and scientific inquiry into the UFO enigma, while acknowledging the current limitations in fully explaining the phenomenon.

This issue of NOTIZIARIO UFO, dated 8 September 1963, delves into various UFO-related reports and theories, with a prominent focus on cases from Italy and Spain, alongside broader discussions on ancient astronauts and extraterrestrial life.

Article 1: "Chissà perchè non vuol dare Il nome" (Wonder why he doesn't want to give the name)

This section presents a curious case from Genova, Italy, dated 23 June 1963. An anonymous letter writer, referring to themselves as "l'observatore" (the observer), sent a photograph of what appeared to be a landed flying saucer amidst dense vegetation. The writer, citing personal safety concerns, refused to reveal their identity or provide further details, making the report intriguing but difficult to verify. The magazine includes the photograph for curiosity's sake.

Article 2: "L'ORDIGNO DESCRITTO DA ANTONIO VILLAS BOAS" (The device described by Antonio Villas Boas)

This section, accompanied by diagrams, describes an alleged UFO encounter involving Antonio Villas Boas. The diagrams illustrate a "CUPOLA GIREVOLE" (rotating dome), "LUCE ARANCIONE" (orange light), "LUCE VERDE" (green light), and "ASSE" (axis). A top-down view shows "ZAMPE RETRATTILI" (retractable legs) labeled "TIMONE" (rudder), "ASSE" (axis), "CAMMINAMENTO LATERALE" (lateral walkway), "CUPOLA GIREVOLE" (rotating dome), and "LUCI" (lights). The text notes the similarity to the UFO described in the case reported by "DOMENICA DEL CORRIERE," suggesting an impressive resemblance.

Article 3: "Secondo il Dott. Hynek un 'caso perfetto'" (According to Dr. Hynek, a 'perfect case')

This lengthy article, spanning pages 21-22, discusses the concept of a "perfect case" as defined by Dr. Hynek, which requires a photograph taken by a qualified photographer with intact film, and at least two credible independent witnesses. It then details the case of San José de Valderas, Spain, which is presented as a "perfect case" documented in a volume by Antonio Ribera and Rafael Farriols. The incident occurred on 6 February 1966, between 8 and 9 PM, when a large circular object was observed by soldiers near a munitions depot. José Luis Jordan, driving towards Madrid, witnessed the object, which initially appeared whitish, then turned yellow and orange. He saw it descend and emit a vibrating, sarging sound before rapidly ascending and disappearing. Jordan estimated the object's diameter to be 10 to 12 meters. He collected testimonies from other witnesses, including Vicente Ortuno, Mariano de las Heras, and their friends at the "Palencia" bar. Doña Herminia Pelaes reported that her television's brightness inexplicably diminished during the event. The landing site, near an airfield, showed three distinct imprints, forming an equilateral triangle, each 12 cm deep, 15 cm wide, and 30 cm long. The article also mentions that a year and four months later, on 1 June 1967, the extraordinary incident at San José de Valderas took place.

Page 22 continues the San José de Valderas case, describing an event at dusk involving multiple witnesses. The object, with characteristics similar to the Aluche craft, hovered for over ten minutes over a modern residential complex on the outskirts of Madrid. Before disappearing towards Extremadura, two witnesses managed to take a series of photographs. Rafael Farriols and Antonio Llobet conducted a topographical study of the area, confirming the UFO's presence. The five photos taken by one photographer and two others by "Antonio Pardo" (a pseudonym) provided a coherent reconstruction of the object's trajectory. The UFO reportedly landed 4 km from San José de Valderas, near Santa Monica, at the "La Ponderosa" restaurant, observed by passersby. Three rectangular imprints, forming a triangle with sides over 6 meters, were found. Mysterious metallic tubes were also discovered at the site. Henri Dagousset reportedly offered 180,000 lire for these artifacts. Through "Antonio Pardo," Farriols and Ribera obtained a fragment of one of these tubes, which contained a liquid and two green strips of plastic bearing the same symbol ('H') found on the UFOs from San José de Valderas and Aluche. The metallic sample was analyzed by INTA, revealing it to be high-purity nickel, while the plastic was identified as polyvinyl fluoride, used by NASA for satellite coatings. The article concludes by referring to this as the "perfect Spanish case" and cites Coral Lorenzen's book "I DISCHI VOLANTI" for further details.

Article 4: "SUGGESTIVE TEORIE DI PETER KOLOSIMO" (Suggestive Theories of Peter Kolosimo)

This section, on page 4, features Peter Kolosimo, winner of the Bancarella Prize in 1969, discussing his books on "space-age archaeology." Kolosimo posits that humanity is part of a cosmic evolutionary chain, with advanced civilizations possibly visiting Earth. He suggests that official archaeology needs re-evaluation in light of new scientific discoveries, and that the concept of a single "human race" is inaccurate, proposing the existence of multiple human "races." He references ancient myths, such as the "feathered bird" of the Aztecs (likened to a "Fenice" or Phoenix), as potential evidence of extraterrestrial visitation and advanced technology. He also mentions the electric battery discovered in Babylon and Egyptian tombs with radioactive stones as supporting his theories. Kolosimo raises the question of whether humans arrived in space via a "ray of light."

Article 5: "Un gruppo di scienziati inglesi confutano i calcoli di Einstein sulla velocità della luce?" (A group of English scientists refute Einstein's calculations on the speed of light?)

This brief report from London, dated 23 October, states that a group of scientists led by J. S. Allen and Geoffrey Endean from Oxford University concluded that electromagnetic fields produced by a supernova in the Crab Nebula are traveling at approximately 372,000 miles per second, potentially contradicting Einstein's theory that no particle can exceed the speed of light (186,000 miles per second).

Article 6: "Otto milioni di persone al buio per più di un'ora a Città del Messico" (Eight million people in darkness for over an hour in Mexico City)

A report from Mexico City, dated 23 October, describes a city-wide power outage lasting over an hour, affecting eight million people during peak hours. Thousands were stranded in subways and elevators. The cause of the outage was not immediately determined, leading to massive traffic jams due to non-functioning traffic signals.

Article 7: "Decisi dall'assemblea astronomica Cinquecento nuovi nomi per i crateri della Luna" (Decided by the astronomical assembly: Five hundred new names for the craters of the Moon)

This article from Brighton, dated 21 August, reports on the International Astronomical Union's decision to officially name features on the Moon's hidden face, as well as three small craters near the Sea of Tranquility. The names chosen include those of astronauts Armstrong, Aldrin, and Collins. In total, 515 names were assigned, with a significant number honoring American (130) and Russian (102) figures, including Dante, Lucretius, Omar Khayam, Oppenheimer, George Washington, Hippocrates, Daedalus, and Icarus. The article also mentions the Soviet astronomer Vitali Ginzberg's proposal for an international scientific program to search for extraterrestrial life, emphasizing the high cost and the belief among many astronomers that humanity is not alone in the universe.

Article 8: "Misteriose luci rosse osservate sulla Luna" (Mysterious red lights observed on the Moon)

This report from New York, dated 29 July, details the first evidence of moonquakes, observed by Dr. Gary Latham of the Lamont Observatory. These seismic events occur when the Moon is closest to Earth every 28 days. Coinciding with these quakes are mysterious red and orange flashes in the same areas, which Dr. Latham suggests might be gases escaping from the lunar subsurface.

Article 9: "Secondo due scienziati americani su Marte sarebbe possibile l'esistenza di una forma di vita" (According to two American scientists, the existence of a life form on Mars would be possible)

Washington, 30 September: Two American scientists, Cyril Ponnamperuma and Harold Klein, based on data from the "Mariner" probes, suggest that Mars could harbor life in an as-yet-undetermined form. They note that Mars's atmosphere density might be tolerable for terrestrial organisms, and some regions are covered by a "blue haze" that could absorb harmful ultraviolet rays.

Article 10: "Città sommerse al largo delle isole Bahamas" (Submerged cities off the Bahamas islands)

Paris, 23 October: Professor Dimitri Ribikoff confirmed the discovery of submerged cities and fortifications made of stone off the coast of the Bahamas. These ruins, spread over hundreds of square kilometers, are believed to be around 10,000 years old, predating the generally accepted timeline of the Bahamas plateau sinking 6,000 years ago. Ribikoff believes studying these findings will provide remarkable insights into human conditions 10,000 years ago.

Article 11: "Forse scoperti i resti di Atlantide" (Perhaps the remains of Atlantis discovered)

Nassau, 16 October: Sub-aquatic explorer Dimitri Ribikoff and archaeologist J. Manson Valentine discovered a submerged city off the island of Bimini, Bahamas. A complex of walls, several hundred meters long, was photographed at a depth of six meters. Experts from the University of Miami suggest these fortifications date back 10,000 years. Ribikoff will present his photographic methods, similar to those used in previous discoveries like the Greek wreck of the Titan and Nero's submerged palaces. This discovery is seen as potentially reviving the debate about the existence of Atlantis.

Article 12: "Habrían sido vistos OVNIS en Bahía Blanca" (OVNIs reportedly sighted in Bahía Blanca)

Bahía Blanca, Argentina: Dozens of witnesses reported seeing a series of luminous points crossing the sky from South to North. These unidentified flying objects, described as spheres with a pronounced green color, moved in a correct formation at a regular speed, leaving a prolonged trail. The objects were observed for about a minute and a half before disappearing as suddenly as they appeared. The article notes that the trajectory and lack of acceleration ruled out conventional aircraft, celestial bodies, or disintegrating satellites, suggesting the possibility of UFOs or a refractive phenomenon. Witnesses included an operator from LU? Radio General San Martín and the head of publicity for the same station, both confirming the intense green illumination. The objects reportedly came from the sea and headed inland. Authorities reported no air traffic movements at the time of the sightings.

Article 13: "Un oggetto volante sconosciuto è stato avvistato alle 23.30 del 23 luglio 1970 a Marina di Ravenna" (An unknown flying object was sighted at 11:30 PM on July 23, 1970, in Marina di Ravenna)

This report details a sighting on 23 July 1970, at 11:30 PM in Marina di Ravenna, Italy. Adriana, Margherita Leotti, a Swiss citizen named Giovanni Hubscher, and a fourth anonymous witness observed a luminous white object. It was silent and left a faint white-yellow-red light trail. The object, coming from the south, appeared to descend towards the north, disappearing behind a house after being observed for about 5 seconds. Its altitude was estimated at about ten meters above the trees. The object's size was comparable to a touring airplane, with wings spread and a pointed section at their union. The article compares this sighting to the famous UFO cases of McMinnville (1950) and Rouen (1954), which the Condon Commission could not explain.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of NOTIZIARIO UFO revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), ancient mysteries, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life and advanced ancient civilizations. The magazine presents a range of cases, from anonymous sightings to well-documented incidents, and explores theoretical frameworks proposed by authors like Peter Kolosimo and Antonio Ribera. There's a clear interest in scientific investigation, as evidenced by the reports on lunar and Martian exploration and the analysis of physical evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories without necessarily endorsing them, but encouraging readers to consider the possibilities and the ongoing mysteries of the universe. The inclusion of reports on submerged cities and ancient astronauts suggests a broader interest in uncovering humanity's hidden past and its potential connection to cosmic origins.